Choosing funeral attire for a loved one can be an incredibly difficult task. It’s important to take your time and make thoughtful choices, taking into consideration their personal style and any cultural or religious traditions they may have followed. If your loved one left behind a will or other written instructions, this can also give you clues as to their wishes regarding burial outfits.
Traditionally, people are buried in clothing they were wearing in their last moments of life. This can be anything from a suit and tie to jeans and a t-shirt. If they had a particular hobby, you might want to consider incorporating that into your decision as well, for example a Harley-Davidson jacket or a favourite pair of boots. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always ask a professional funeral director for guidance and assistance. They’ll be able to offer helpful tips and recommendations, ensuring that you choose clothing that will honour your loved one.
While many families prefer to bury their loved ones in their own clothes, there are situations where this isn’t possible. For instance, if your loved one has passed away very suddenly or they’ve lost a great deal of weight, their own clothing may be too big or feel uncomfortable. Luckily, there are numerous companies that specialise in creating burial gowns and wraps for babies and adults, allowing them to rest in peace with dignity.
Diane Wright, a Grandview United Methodist Church member, started sewing baby burial garments after her nurse practitioner granddaughter told her about a project in Indiana that provided burial gowns for stillborn infants from repurposed wedding dresses. The organization, Little Angel Gowns, works with hospitals to provide the delicate garments for free.
The process is a labor of love for those involved. Typically, each piece takes about four hours to sew. Wright and her fellow seamstresses make three sizes of wraps and four sizes of gowns for a range of fetal gestation and birth weights, from 2 to 8 pounds. They’re available to hospitals, midwives, and funeral homes, who are then able to provide the gowns directly to parents.
Some of the gowns feature religious motifs, such as the Sacred Heart for Catholic funerals, while others are more simple and unisex, so they’re suitable for either gender. They are crafted from soft and satin-like fabrics and come in a variety of appealing colours. For those who have lost a large amount of weight, bariatric burial gowns are also available to ensure that your loved one is dressed with dignity.
While the choice of funeral attire can be extremely emotional, it’s important to remember that your loved one will be eternally beautiful no matter what they are buried in. If they were a lover of a certain colour, a subtle pastel outfit can convey serenity and peace. You might also opt for a classic black ensemble, which exudes elegance and solemnity. Complete the look with closed-toe shoes and minimal jewellery to keep things elegantly simple.